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420thewritersroom · 3 months ago

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Wilted Cherry Blossoms, Dark Thunderstorms, Burning Hopes: Rekindled Embers

Howdy! Funny to see me back here, eh? After long overdue breaks and writers block, I finally feel motivated enough to continue this "Oops, Kung Lao is dead again" AU! Finally! Chapter 5! We continue our journey with our heroes as we inch closer to a inevitable conflict with the returned Kung Lao!

"But 420Writer, I barely even know or remember what happened before we got here!"

Well too bad! :D

Naw, but I anticipated that there will be returning and new readers who will be confused and wondering how all of this started. That's why I REMADE AND SLIGHTLY POLISHED THE PRIOR LAST 4 CHAPTERS! You can find the newly remastered chapters below. But let's say you want to read the old, unpolished, barely seasoned chapters of old? Well don't worry! I made sure to link the older versions of the prior 4 chapters for those nostalgic of the retro.

It should be said that I haven't been in the MK1 fandom for a while. I don't physically (or digitally) own the games, missed all the prior seasonal villains, and I've yet to watch the Khaos Reigns DLC. So the prior chapters and chapters going forward is most likely going to be deviating from what "canoncially" happens in the MK1 game, especially with Khaos Reigns. And who knows if I'll care enough to be canon compliant with what happens in the DLC lol.

Regardless, I hope you enjoy this new chapter! For those new and experience, the AO3 version will be updated soon as I FINALLY discovered how to change text colors in AO3, but it's going to take some time to not only upload the new chapter but update the older chapters with my new knowledge. So keep an eye out for those who are eager to read it on AO3!

Wilted Cherry Blossoms, Dark Thunderstorms, Burning Hopes: Remastered

Johnny takes a step, then another, then another, taking his sweet ol time to climb the stone stairs that led to the Wu Shi Academy on the exceptionally steep incline of the mountain. Every step made Johnny come to the annoying reality that he was definitely getting up there in age, practically pushing 40! You know, if being exactly 30 is deemed "pushing 40." His legs ached, the sun beamed harshly on his sweaty back, and Johnny wheezed by the second. The moment Johnny reaches this damn Academy, he's going to put it into Liu Kang's thick skull to finally build a damn elevator for this place. It's fucking ridiculous that if anyone is even remotely interested in training with the Shaolin Monks, they have to climb these long ass stairs just to reach it! If they make it to the Academy, that is! They'll most likely walk back down, not finding the trek worthwhile.

And this is where Kenshi would butt in, saying, "That's the whole point of it, to test those who would be worthy to learn the secrets of the Shaolin." In which Johnny will call bullshit. The fact that they want to train here should be a good enough reason instead of building a million steps to reach their front door! Before long, Johnny finally made it past the last step, collapsing on the stone ground the moment he could fully see the front entrance to the Academy. The actor takes this moment to lie on the cold floor of the Academy, taking long breaths as he regains his strength. Above Johnny, he felt a shadow, a presence, loom over him, grabbing his attention as he's met with a fellow Monk of the joint.

"Mr. Johnny Cage, an unexpected visit," The Monk greeted Johnny with a calm and composed demeanor, his voice a soothing contrast to Johnny's frustration.

"Would've called beforehand," Johnny lets out a winded breath before continuing, "but your monastic 'creed' doesn't believe in cellphone service."

The Monk giggles, "It pleases us to see you return after so long, nonetheless. I hope the trip here did not cause you further trouble."

"Nah, other than your ten billion flights of stairs, getting here was a piece of cake," Johnny grunts as he picks himself up from the floor, dusting himself off and flicking an ant off the back of his hand. "I came here to speak with Liu Kang. It's urgent, and he's gonna wanna hear this."

The Monk doesn't act a hint surprised by this request, instead nodding slowly, "I will see if Master Geras will meet you, Mr. Cage."

"Woah, woah. Geras?" Johnny momentarily walks closer to the Monk as he expresses his confusion.

"My apologies; I forget myself. You haven't been here for some time. Master Geras has been overseeing most matters concerning Earthrealm since Lord Liu Kang retired to the Fire Temple. He will be happy to hear that you have come to speak with him," the Monk briefly explained.

Johnny lets the Monk lead him into the Academy and place him in one of the many unoccupied rooms of the Academy. In this momentary state of isolation, Johnny takes a moment to contemplate what the Monk said earlier. Johnny knows that Raiden meant everything to them. He was the heart and soul of their friend group. And while Johnny does believe that disbanding Earthrealms defenders was a...Decision...That Liu Kang made, Johnny saw it as the Fire God taking a vacation. Because looking back to how everything fell apart, none of them had a moment to grieve for themselves.

While they did bury Kung Lao, their new lives as Earthrealms defenders didn't grant them the luxury to properly accept Lao's death. They were in the middle of stopping Shang Tsung and General Shao from their usual villainous schemes. Johnny doesn't even remember what their deal was back then. If he had to guess, the typical "world domination" or "finding some powerful artifact to make themselves into a Super Saiyan" or some shit like that. So, the moment they finished the funeral, they had to get back into gear. Using Kung Lao as motivation to get back at the bad guys tore them at the seams more than they thought. No one suffered more from that than Raiden.

Johnny couldn't shake off the guilt he felt about Raiden's situation. He wished he had done more for him, been a better friend. Even before the official dissolution, he and Kenshi were only sometimes around due to their personal agendas. It was a shock to Johnny & Kenshi when they found out about Raiden and Kung Lao's relationship, even though they had been dating for over 2 months before they were informed. This revelation only added to Johnny's guilt when Kung Lao was taken from them. He realized that he didn't know the Fengjian bros as well as he thought. So, Johnny hoped that being a closer friend for Raiden would help lessen the pain for him. He would get to know the man better, visit his joint more often, and he could fill that void that Kung Lao left behind. Not say that he would want to date Raiden, goodness no, he's already taken. Well, in hindsight, he wasn't taken then, but still. He just, Johnny wanted to be there for Raiden.

But it didn't end up like that. Raiden drowned himself in his work, training, and sadness, which eventually turned into anger. And it took some time for Johnny to stop blaming himself for what happened to Raiden. But Liu Kang? The Fire God? Inactive for nearly two years? Now, Johnny didn't have proof that Liu Kang had been slacking for that long. But, typically, Geras wasn't really in the picture. For a long time, Geras was only known by him, the other Earthrealm warriors, and Liu Kang, and that was it. Very few knew who Geras was or even saw him around the Wu Shi Academy. And considering his massive responsibility with that Hourglass thing, Geras was rarely around for any other activities. Homeboy's entire personality is maintaining the Hourglass and the timeline.

But to hear that one Monk mention him by name AND that he's overseeing matters involving Earthrealm specifically? Either this guy is finally getting out of his time-warp bubble, or the situation with Liu Kang is worse than he could imagine. Before long, Johnny hears the unmistakable sound of mystical sand conquering together as Geras manifests in front of the actor.

"Johnathan Carlton, you seek an audience?" said Geras.

Geras looked different this time around. Well, not that different. All that Johnny noticed was that there was a bit more hair on his head, no longer the smooth Mr. Clean shave anymore.

"Well, look at ya. Getting out of the house, huh?" Johnny smirked as he extended a hand for Geras to shake.

It takes Geras a moment before it clicks in his head that Johnny intends to shake his hand. He hesitantly reaches for the actor's hand before wearily shaking it. Guess Geras is still getting used to human interactions.

"Due to changed circumstances, I had to step in for the sake of Earthrealm in case unforeseen dangers were to emerge." Geras plainly explains.

"Yeah, about that. How's rocket thunder?" Johnny makes mock punches in the air, insinuating that he's talking about Liu Kang. "I thought you were supposed to be looking after that Hourglass, not replacing Liu Kang as Earthrealm's protector."

"I am not 'replacing' Liu Kang," Geras sternly corrects. "Lord Liu Kang needed…Some time away from his duties. What happened to Raiden truly took a toll on his mental state. So, I agreed to perform his obligations until he was finally fit to serve as the realm's protector."

Johnny can tell that there was a bit more Geras wanted to say. Not that there was anything that Geras did that betrayed his usual stoic tone and face. But hang around the guy long enough, and you start to notice subtleties that are tell-tale hints of anger, sadness, confusion, stuff like that.

"Damn…That bad, huh? Um, how's Liu now?" Johnny rubs the back of his head as concern presents itself in his tone.

"He has progressed recently."

"Ok, gonna leave it at that?" Johnny stares at Geras, hoping that he would give more context to the whole "progressed recently" thing. But Johnny knew he would have to settle with Geras being his usual cryptic self.

"I was informed that you wished to speak upon an urgent matter?" Geras plainly and thankfully asked, breaking the silence between them.

"Well, I was hoping I would speak with Liu Kang in person about this."

"He's currently not in a state to handle critical matters at this time-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I figured. But, I guess you're the best next thing." Johnny clasps his hands together and breathes in heavily. "We're dealing with a possible zombie apocalypse."

Geras's silence was either perfect comedic timing or him processing what Johnny said (definitely the latter). But he eventually replies with, "A zombie apocalypse?"

"What, Dragon Fists never let you watch horror flicks?"

"I'm not versed with mortal entertainment."

Johnny sighs and nods his head, "Ok. Essentially, dead people are coming back from the grave and doing some shit that might spell the end of the world or something like that."

Geras finally seems to perk up by this. "What proof do you have of this."

Oh...Shit...Johnny didn't really think that far ahead. The only person who had evidence was Kenshi. Well, he only had Kenshi's word, but what reason would his boyfriend have to lie to him about a possible zombie invasion after all they went through.

"Well, if it makes ya feel better, Kenshi was the one who told me. Would've came to tell you in person, but he's working at the moment. So I came in his place." Johnny wasn't sure if stating Kenshi's line of work would further benefit Kenshi's word, but he did promise that he wouldn't talk about his position in the FBI. "Also, we might be in more trouble than we think. Kenshi said that Kung Lao had returned. From the dead, that is."

As Johnny expected, Geras's stoic face subtly changes into a look of alarm. "Kung Lao is back from the dead?"

"Yeah...You make it sound as though he's done this before. Wait, did this happen before?"

"Come with me. Liu Kang will need to hear this." Geras wastes no time teleporting them to a new change of scenery; sand particles coalesce around them before dispersing, revealing the Fire Temple where Liu Kang resided. "Quickly."

Johnny didn't need to be told twice as he tailed behind Geras.

Within the Fire Temple, Liu Kang meditated in peace. The past couple of years and some months have been troubling. Raiden's near downfall and descent into a darker mindset shook Liu Kang to his core. Every other occurrence in his timeline that reverted to Kronika's vision, Liu Kang was able to power through them. But Raiden, Liu Kang had a visceral reaction to the threat of him becoming what Lord Raiden would succumb to. The threatening thoughts of starting over, undoing the damage Titan Shang Tsung had done to his timeline. It was like a succubus whisper that tickled his ears night after night, day after day.

Not a day goes by that he doesn't thank Geras for what he has done for him. He was picking up the pieces falling around Liu, trying to keep him from committing the same actions that Kronika made. Liu's unsure if he would live with himself if he really did turn back the clock and try to restart everything. Even more terrifying, if he would even regret doing so in the first place. He's even more thankful that he took Geras up on his offer to allow him to take the reigns as Earthrealm's temporary protector.

Even with his eyes closed, Liu could still see himself standing before the Hourglass, contemplating if he should take that first step. To make that one "minor adjustment."

None of this was his fault. If Titan Shang Tsung hadn't discovered his realm, if he had caught onto the tell-tale signs sooner, then he could've prevented Tarkat from happening, from Kitana losing her mother and nearly losing her sister, from the Lin Kuei brothers becoming divided...From Raiden becoming a dark visage of himself...From his best friend...From Kung Lao dying...

But he can fix this. He can command the Hourglass to reverse the clock. He knows the future that will befall his friends, and he can make it all disappear. Liu Kang can still see himself performing the ritual, wearing Kronika's crown and carrying out the ritualistic dance as he attempted to reverse the clock.

"Lord Liu Kang, what are you doing?"

Liu Kang still remembers hearing Geras's voice before he materialized before him, trying to convince him to stop what he was doing. Liu Kang still remembers seeing his reflection. He wasn't trying to look at himself in the mirror of the Hourglass, but as an item created with a reflective surface, he couldn't help but notice something terrifying. The bags under his eyes, the subtle scowl on his face, a look of discontentful purpose that blazed in his eyes. He looked like a shadow of his former self, a warped version that was getting eerily close to the Liu Kang that was twisted in Shang Tsungs' image.

Liu Kang remembers the conflict in his heart and mind—a battle between reason and feeling. Every fiber of his being argued for dominance in being the final arbiter in what his ultimate decision should be. An inner struggle so tough, Liu Kang couldn't bring himself to settle on this side or that. He barely heard Geras trying to whisk him away from trying to reset the clock.

"Lord Liu Kang, I don't want to have to tear you away by force from the Hourglass. But I will if you give me reason to."

"...Then, I suppose you will have to deliver on that promise..."

Liu Kang still remembers their fight, fire and sand clashing together as they tried to overpower each other. Geras was holding back, and his intentions were heavily clear: he only wanted to incapacitate the Fire God. Liu Kang shamefully cannot say he was attempting to do the same. There was a conflicted desperation to win the kombat. Deep inside, Liu Kang needed to win. He needed to fix the damage Titan Shang Tsung left in his wake. Yet, Liu also needed to lose. He had to be stopped from committing the same actions Kronika did because Liu Kang knew that it wouldn't stop from there. A taste of the absolute power he truly had with the Hourglass would send him down a spiral he tried to avoid. Liu silently begged that Geras would stop him.

Yet, the opposite happened.

All Liu Kang remembered was Geras screaming horrifically, then just as soon as he heard it, it stopped. Liu Kang stood before a dead Geras. His body was torn in two; viscera and blood littered the area around him; the head was nowhere to be found. What remained of Geras burned to a crisp as two fiery dragons, one red and the other blue, chewed on the remains of the time observer.

Liu Kang won the fight.

Within minutes, an hour if he's lucky, Liu Kang could've used that time to prepare the Hourglass and gather the necessary energies to reverse the clock. Yet, the Fire God was frozen, staring at his disfigured, woefully unrecognizable friend, who now ruined the zen garden surrounding the Hourglass. Suddenly, his mind was blank, the struggle between what he wanted and what was right vanishing as quickly as Geras.

"What have I done?" Liu Kang remembered thinking.

Liu doesn't remember the passage of time between when he was alone in the presence of the Hourglass and when Geras slowly reconstructed himself back together. Geras broke the spell holding Liu Kang in place, placing his hand on the Fire Gods' shoulder and giving a concerned squeeze.

Liu Kang couldn't bring himself to explain himself, couldn't even utter an apology. Where before there was a whirlwind of emotions that brought him to the conclusion of tampering with the Hourglass, now all that remained was a guilt-ridden void and emptiness. There was no scramble to form the right words, be it to convince Geras of what he was doing or to ask for forgiveness.

There, Geras suggested that he take over matters involving the realms and the Hourglass, urging Liu Kang to step away from his responsibilities and mourn. And Liu did not argue. Had Geras not stopped him, he could've become like Kronika, constantly restarting time until he "got it right." Or worse, he could've transformed to be like Titan Shang Tsung, ruling his timeline with an iron fist to exert his vision of how events should play out.

In his time of isolation, Liu Kang used this "vacation" away from his duties to recenter himself. To come to terms with what had happened, not only since Kung Lao died but also since the events that resulted in their fight with Titan Shang Tsung. But his journey of self-healing wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for Shujinko. Such an unlikely confidante he became to be. Ever since he wiped Shujinko's memory, the Fire God has mostly kept his distance, for he hasn't forgotten the events that led to Shujinko being neutralized. Liu Kang figured that the young student would further this distance upon re-discovering the incident that led to him being magically amnesic.

Yet, as the saying goes, Liu Kang would not look a gifted horse in the mouth. When one is in mourning, the most dangerous situation to be in such a state is isolation. It breeds thoughts and ideas that impede the healing process and could reverse the steps needed to reach acceptance. Shujinko sometimes reminded Liu Kang of when he was young and mortal. With this, albeit renewed, fresh start for Shujinko and the new training direction, he was far from the man he once was or even became. Humility was definitely a significant factor in shaping Shujinko. Still, after the revelation of what he was before when he became a threat to the realms, Shujinko became timid. Shujinko, based on what Liu had heard from his new teachers, had become reserved, his heart not being in the fight, perhaps stemming from the fear and shame of what he had done before. And Liu could see it in his actions. Everything Shujinko handled, he handled with great care, terrified care. As though picking up a cup would cause him to copy the abilities of said cup, should it possess any.

Shujinko was careful with how he fought with his teachers and fellow students. He was innately frightened of becoming that prideful and reckless man who could've overtaken the world. But with his fear came stagnation and faultful self-crippling. He had great power that required greater responsibility, and knowing he abused this power before, Shujinko couldn't bring himself to use even 2% of his own capabilities. Liu Kang recalls when he first merged with Raiden and his Revenant self. His body felt familiar, yet new at the same time. His power, his knowledge, his strength, his everything was exemplified to seemingly untold bounds. It was him, yet it wasn't at the same time. And on top of being the Keeper of Time, the creator of this new universe, and the protector of Earthrealm, there was much responsibility Liu Kang practically had to re-learn himself, even still learning to this day.

Liu Kang can empathize with Shujinko's weariness and reservations to fully commit to a fight. In hindsight, Liu almost feels silly that he didn't step in sooner to help with his insecurities. But he's going to rectify this error now. Now that he and Shujinko have been having these small lunch dates together. Liu Kang focuses his breathing, allowing himself to tune into the blazing dragon hearth in the middle of the room, the wind blissfully blowing, rustling his clothes, and swaying his hair. Shujinko might be arriving later than usual; he's typically here by now with a tray full of food.

Liu Kang lets out a relaxed sigh, the cracking of fire kindle gracing his ears. In this silence, this solitude, Liu Kang contemplates the knowledge he had obtained since his ascension. The role of Earthrealms Defender, as a Fire God, is not one that can be taken lightly. Only when he walked in Raiden's shoes and then some did he realize why Lord Raiden was...Like that. Some knowledge is not meant for mortal ears, and some worries are not meant for mortal hearts. Like a much-loved child, Liu Kang only realized now why Raiden did what he did, said what he said. To share his memories, his time as a god, the hard decisions he had to make, and the even harder improvisation he had to live with. It's almost frustrating knowing the truth but knowing how it felt and how it would feel to be on the other side of that truth. The wish that there was a way for him and Lord Raiden to find a middle ground, that there was some way that Raiden could digest what he was experiencing and communicate it with him, and for himself to have the patience to understand. Then again, they were damned from the start. Kronika was always going to ensure, one way or another, that they would fight to the death, whether they wanted that outcome or not.

And Liu Kang reflects on his role today. Is he falling into that same pitfall? Withholding truth because it is not a mortal's place to make sense of his reality. Or trying to explain his truth, only for it to be misunderstood because mortal comprehension cannot begin to imagine or sympathize with the path he must take. This balancing act of honesty and veiled truths. At least Liu Kang is fortunate to have Geras by his side, a confidant to express his worries and feelings. Did Lord Raiden not have that for himself? He can assume Fujin and Raiden did not always see eye to eye, and that disconnect between them may have left his brother out of the equation. And based on Lord Raiden's memories, he didn't interact much with the other gods outside of Earthrealm, lest it was business.

A memory surfaces as Liu Kang focuses on these trailing thoughts.

A middle-aged man sitting alone in his temple, much like he was. Contemplating, meditating, but there was a disturbance, a peace he could not reach. Concerns of prior un-reconciled events, fears of incidents yet to come, the insistence on planning for and around those possible occurrences, and how best to maintain an already waning peace.

Liu Kang pities the Raiden that was before. How he must've suffered alone with the weight of his responsibilities with no one to share that burden. Even with those whom he would've considered close friends, how unfair it would've seemed to ask for sympathy from a mortal who can do little to calm his weary nerves. There was more to protecting Earthrealm than simply swinging fists at a life-or-death tournament. The politics involving it would be much for a mortal to comprehend. And Raiden clearly felt that strain.

That mortal affinity swells in Liu Kang's heart; how he wishes he could've done more for Raiden than he already has. That loving anger, that longing feeling that Raiden at least tried to let him into his world, to attempt to understand him more. But Lord Liu Kang knew that was a foolhardy wish in hindsight.

"You have many admirable qualities. You're handsome, patient, caring, determined, and good-willed. These are aspects that anyone would fall for and would be lucky to have you as their significant other. And…Perhaps, in another life, I could return your feelings. But I cannot provide you the happiness you think I can give. The amount of responsibilities and burdens…I'm sorry, but I just wouldn't be able to emotionally and physically give back to you."

Even in hindsight, Liu hates how right Raiden really was.

He hears the wind pick up slightly, his nerves prickling as a powerful presence suddenly appears nearby. Liu Kang opens his eyes, eyeing the many openings of the Fire Temple. Particles of microscopic granular materials, sand, conjure and coalesce on the far end of the room. From the miniature duststorm emerged Geras, proud and mighty. Liu Kang's heart skips a beat; it's been a while since he and Geras met face to face after that prior incident. To see him here was surprising nonetheless.

"Geras...Johnnny?" The sudden accompaniment of the Hollywood Star takes Liu Kang further aback. He hasn't seen Johnny Cage since he verbally disbanded his champions. To see him here...

"Nice place you got here," Johnny whistles, admiring the temple.

"Lord Liu Kang, an urgent matter requires your..." Geras spoke hastily, only to pause for a moment. "Wisdom."

Liu Kang can see it in Geras's focused eyes, a hidden glint that Liu knows far too well. He didn't want to disturb the Fire God, but something had happened, something terrible.

Liu Kang raises his chin, filling his body with the godly confidence that he wore so well. And, in a small way, thought he lost. "Speak freely, Geras."

Geras slightly bowed, stepping aside so that Johnny was more visible. "Johnathan Carlton has urgent news to relay regarding Kung Lao; he has returned from the dead."

With alarm and intensity, Liu Kang straightens his posture more than ever before, "What?"

"Oh, so we're just jumping right to it?" Johnny looks between Geras and Liu Kang, "I figured we'd ease him into it, you know? Try to reel him in before just dropping that bomb on him."

"What do you mean, 'Kung Lao has returned from the dead?' Who informed you of this?" Liu Kang stands up, stepping closer as he stares at Johnny.

"Um, well, Kenshi told me," Johnny says flustered. Suddenly, he feels like he's 10 years old again, sitting next to his mom & dad in the principal's office, trying to explain why he kicked a kid trying to replicate his dad's kung-fu moves in the movies. "He was in Japan, looking for some, um," Johnny snaps his fingers, trying to remember the name. "Jade-O Tai-Gah Ban-Doh, something like that," Johnny's "shining" Japanese doesn't impress either Geras or Liu Kang. "But they're in cahoots with some people named the Black Dragon, and they were doing some shady stuff, then, boom, Kung Lao was alive."

"Did this Jade Tiger Band organization recently revive Kung Lao? Are you sure it was him?" Liu Kang continues to press.

"I dunno. Kenshi was the one who saw the whole ordeal, not me."

"And where is Kenshi now?" Geras's blue eyes glanced occasionally at Johnny, but his attention primarily remained on the Fire God, analyzing him.

Johnny debates if he should come forward now about Kenshi's occupation. I mean, Kenshi was not only doing FBI work, he was actively on the look out for any suspicious activity from Outworld and other similar realms. He's literally the Men in Black! He can't imagine that his line of work did not eventually cross, at least, Geras's ears. Then again, he did promise...

"He's working right now. Something urgent came up, business stuff." As if Johnny could sound any more convincing as he rubbed the back of his head.

There's a nerve-wracking silence before Liu Kang takes the first initiative, "Geras, the Hourglass."

That's all Liu Kang had to say to have the construct nod along with him, the pair leaving the room without Johnny in flames and sand. "W-wait, what about the Hourglass?" Johnny is too late to ask as the pair disappear without him.

Just as they vacate the Fire Temple, Shujinko rushes with a tray full of food, huffing as he reaches the inner sanctum. "My apologies, Lord Liu Kang, but I was held...Back..." Shujinko looks around the empty space, wondering where the Fire God had gone. His brown eyes meet the actor, eyes widening. "Johnny Cage?"

"Oh. Uh, hey," Johnny flashes his quick signature Hollywood smile. The moment he notices the food tray, his stomach begins to rumble. "Say, um, you don't intend to eat all that, right?"

Geras and Liu Kang materialize in front of the Hourglass, the massive relic standing at attention.

"We need to find him, quickly. Goes as far back as you can!" Liu Kang expresses his urgency as he watches Geras approach the Hourglass.

"It is not something that can be easily accomplished. My duties away from the Hourglass means I have missed significant passages of time. I will not know where to look nor how far back to go. And depending on where in time Kung Lao may have been, he could be anywhere."

"Try Fengjian." Liu Kang says with no hesitation.

Geras looks back at Liu Kang, an unspoken question that's only apparent in his eyes. A silent conversation occurs between the pair, communicating solely with their eyes. Liu Kang can't say it's 100% what Kung Lao would do. Based on personal, future experience, he only became an undead, a Revenant to be exact, because of Quan Chi's manipulation. But the moment he was allowed his own autonomy, to put it bluntly, the dead crave the living and all that once brought them meaning.

As though Geras found something that Liu Kang unspokenly said that was agreeable, Geras waves his arms about, conducting the ritual dance as the sand within the Hourglass coalesces and swarms within the glass. "Where should we start?"

"Any time within a year and a half. All we need is evidence that he's out there."

The pair watched the Hourglass, sand synthesizing as Geras sought through prior hours, days, and months. In the construct's eyes, he's wandering a desert, a sandstorm dangerously blowing in his face. Under normal circumstances, the fast-flowing particles would be enough to skin him, suffocate him, blow Geras off his feet. But Geras is master of this inner, hidden realm as he walks through the storm undisturbed. Through the rushing sand, outlines of buildings and people walk in reverse from him, passing him by as they perform actions as though they must do so backward, their speech incomprehensible. Nothing is evident in this tempest of sand; everything is blurry and obscured.

Geras stops in his stride, raising his hand and snapping his fingers. The sandstorm immediately settles upon his command. The surrounding area was built upon nothing by the microscopic particles; every building, plant, material, and person was walking pillars of sand. No longer were these figures moving in reverse as time in this realm resumed as it should. Geras looks into the sandy crowd, seeking out Kung Lao's body. He should be fortunate that Fengjian is relatively small, but size isn't so much the problem; it's time.

Liu Kang watches Geras closely as he scours through the Hourglass, waiting for the inevitable reveal.

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Boy does it feel good to be back. Let's look forward to more chapters in the future!

#Wilted Cherry Blossoms Dark Thunderstorms Burning Hopes #Mortal Kombat #Mortal Kombat 1 #MK1 #MK1 Johnny Cage #MK1 Liu Kang #MK1 Geras #MK1 Shujinko #Johnny Cage #Fire God Liu Kang #Geras #Shujinko

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